March 12th,2020 was a planned trip to Intramural. The trip was prepared well by the hire car owner. The tour guide was awesome giving every little details of the amazing history of the Intramural. We were taken into the dungeon, the mini museum. Later in the day a horse ride around the Intramural City. A trip worth taken. We recommend any visitors to put Intramural in their site seeing list whenever visiting Manila.

You cannot say that you have really been in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, if you have not been to Intramuros. According to historical records, the walled city of Manila or Intramuros was built strategically between Manila Bay and south of Pasig River, and covers a grid that stretches to about 600 by 600 yards. Its purpose is to serve as base for the government, as well as the military, and residence of the richest and most powerful families during the Spanish era. History says that the construction of the walls of Intramuros began as early as 1590 during the administration of Governor General Santiago De Vera, and was executed by a Jesuit Priest named Antonio Sedeno. In 1951, Intramuros was declared a historical monument, and Fort Santiago, a national shrine. Today, the walled city is home to several educational institutions, churches, and monuments.

It was very beautiful at night. You can't see trash anymore compared to our previous visit. It's now very clean and I guess a lot of people who visit here aside from us knows how to handle their trash. Well, just like the old times, you can see a lot of people here specifically students since there are many universities located inside this walled city. Will definitely come back.

Some of the places were fine but the scamming made it NOT worth it at all. We had a 14 hr layover in Manila (2 young women) and decided why not go see something and check off another country (from what we heard it was no more dangerous than any other city). Saw all the forums about Intramuros and thought why not. As soon as we got out the cab at the church we were bombarded by pedicab drivers that would not take no for an answer and followed us up to the church and followed us when we got out. As we soon realized things were farther apart than anticipated we told the man who cut his price from 350 to 200 php fine and took the ride. It started off good but was longer than expected and he was full of compliments(some inappropriate) and buttering us up. We weren’t buying it but kept the smile on our faces. He eventually pulls out his price sheet and what a magic trick. Different paper FOR SURE, way different price. What was 200 for a ride with no time limit became each per half hour. We argued and he just stared at us. It was him (the guide) and another man was driving the bike. Being two young girls we thought it best to pay and flee and not find out what happens when you refuse. Guy repeatedly told us his name was Sam but as he was full of sh—!, I doubt that was true. Everytime we got into the pedicab he put his hand on the bar as a “reminder to not bump our head.” I suspect it was to keep us from noticing the two different papers taped to the top of the cab. So frustrating because we know better. 🙄 Cherry on top, during our Taxi ride back to the airport, we got caught in traffic at the same red light 5 rounds. Halfway through a homeless looking man walked by swinging a gun. We were terrified because we were stuck bumper to bumper. Thankfully he kept walking and didn’t look our way but even our cab driver looked concerned and inched up as much as he could as the man walked past. So yea it’s a hard no and a never going back.

Before visiting Intramuros the first thing you have to realize is that the place was almost totally destroyed during the Battle of Manila at the end of WWII. The Japanese dug in, refusing to surrender or declare Manila an open city (as the Americans had done four years earlier) so the Americans bombed the crap out of them and consequently most of Intramuros was destroyed. San Agustin Church was the only building left partially standing. Whether that was a miracle or not is still being debated. What was once referred to as 'The Pearl of the Orient' was gone forever. Efforts have been made to restore some buildings, the cathedral has been rebuilt, and San Ignacio church is being rebuilt as a cultural center.The walls are intact, and there are a few museums and restaurants scattered about, as well as the San Agustin church and convent. Like their other southeast Asian neighbors, the Filipinos have no great affection for their colonial dominated past. However Intramuros could become a symbol of so much more, if proper development and even some reconstruction is carried out. A fair comparison can be made to Kota in Jakarta. I'm certainly not advocating turning the place into a disnified version of what it once was. But it can become the living heart of the city it once was. There is still lots to see and do here. A walk around the walls is an unforgettable experience, as is gazing across the Pasig River from Fort Santiago. There is also an excellent bookstore in the Silahis Center. And people do still live here, so the place is far from dead. If you are interested in Philippine history this is a good place to learn more. I've visited several times and learn something new with each visit. More needs to be done to return Intramuros to the the cultural and historical center it should be. Come early in the day, walk around, maybe do one or two of the museums and churches, then have lunch, and continue your tour in the afternoon, maybe ending with a walk around the walls. And don't forget that view over the river from Fort Santiago. You won't be disappointed, and may even start thinking about history, and cities, and people, and wars, and................

If youbgave a day or less in Manila and don’t know what to do- the least you can see is this. The buildings are not that impressive but it still nice- the history is very interesting. I especially liked how lively everything was- these are not ruins that only tourists visit, but a fun and vibrant part of the city where locals live, work and relax.

Once the seat of the colonial spanish rule, the "walled City" or intramuros offers a touch of an historical setting in a modern city. The architectural designs are amazing. One can see a lot of statues of the spanish Kings and queens. The Manila cathedral and the Fort Santiago are attractions in the Intramuros. Travel could be through the Intramuros battery operated vehicles. This is a must-visit site, if you are in Manila city.

Intramuros, Manila’s walled city, has preserved a lot of its architecture: the cathedrals, colonial buildings, cobbled streets. It’s a great stroll. There were also places where you can buy souvenirs. Intramuros covers a large area. It also is home to several universities. There were illegal settlers around the area. Once they’re relocated, Intramuros would be a better place to visit.

I was not aware that it was Holy Week / Maundy Thursday when I visited. Many buildings / attractions were closed. I would strongly advise to research any holidays / events that might result in closures in advance. For some reason I assumed it would be much like the Medina in Fes, Morocco, being a walled city. Intramuros was quite different - I found it relatively dirty and unkempt. There is some printed information at each point of note on signs, but for the best experience I would recommend hiring a guide, which I did not do.

First time visiting Intramuros with family. We took the museum tour which was a bit long to be in the dark, but very educational on the Spanish impact on Philippine history. We took the calesa (horse drawn carriage) around the old town, stopping by the Manila Cathedral. Amazing to see buildings and walls that are hundreds of years old. Really special place to visit if you are in Manila.